Donald Butler
 Butler in 2011 during a game against the New York Jets. | |||||||||||
No. 56 San Diego Chargers | |||||||||||
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| Linebacker | |||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||
| Date of birth: October 17, 1988 | |||||||||||
| Place of birth: Sacramento, California | |||||||||||
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Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: Fairbanks (CA) Del Campo | |||||||||||
| College: Washington | |||||||||||
| NFL Draft: 2010 / Round: 3 / Pick: 79 | |||||||||||
| Debuted in 2011 for the San Diego Chargers | |||||||||||
Career history
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| Roster status: Active | |||||||||||
Career NFL statistics as of 2013 | |||||||||||
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Donald Aubrey Butler (born October 17, 1988) is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Washington. He was considered one of the top linebacker prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft,[1] and was selected with the 79th overall pick by the San Diego Chargers.
Early years
Donald Butler attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, Calif. On March, 3rd 2005, Butler committed to the University of Washington.
College career
In four years at Washington, Butler had 239 tackles (159 solo), 26.5 TFLs (for 78 yards), three sacks (for 35 yards), five FFs, one FR, two INTs (for 15 yards) and seven PDs. At the NFL Combine, he had 35 reps benching 225. At his Pro Day, he had a 4.61 40, a 35.5 vertical, a 121.0 broad jump, a 4.28 shuttle, and a 6.93 three cone drill.
Professional career
San Diego Chargers
In the 2010 NFL draft, the Chargers traded up 12 spots to select the former Washington Husky in the third round.[2]
Butler suffered a season-ending injury prior to the start of his rookie season as he tore his left Achilles tendon during a pass rush drill. He was placed on the injured reserve list on Aug. 31. The linebacker spent all of the 2010 season rehabilitating.[3]
2011 Season
However, in the 2011 season, his first in the NFL, Butler had his breakout season as he became an immediate starter on the Chargers defense. Butler had 96 tackles playing in all 16 games, including 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception, playing alongside veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes.
2012 Season
In 2012, Butler was already a well-known and vocal team leader for the Chargers. Playing in only 12 games, he managed to make 77 tackles, 3 of which were sacks. He had a stellar game against Kansas City on Sept. 30, where he caught a tipped off ball and returned the interception for a 21-yard touchdown. Butler was named AFC Defensive Player that week.
2013 Season
Butler again was known as a team leader, being elected a team captain in his fourth year. Butler played 13 games, missing 3 with a groin injury, managing to make 84 tackles, half a sack, 1 interception, and a fumble recovery. In the wild card round vs the Cincinnati Bengals, Butler stripped running back Giovani Bernard from behind, which was ruled a fumble and recovered by the chargers.
Personal life
Butler studied construction management at Washington. His mom, Janet Rice, is a single parent who has worked for the Oakland (Calif.) Housing Authority for a number of years. Her career path is what spurred an interest in Donald in the business side of construction. For two years while he was in college, he interned with the Walsh Construction Co. in Tacoma, Wash.
References
External links
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